Introduction
Despite legal advances in Mexico and Central America to tackle the migrant disappearance crisis, existing mechanisms remain insufficient due to the scale of the phenomenon, according to a recent report by the Foundation for Justice.
The Extent of the Crisis
The report, “Transnational Mechanisms for Search and Investigation in Cases of Missing Migrants,” highlights that between 72,000 and 120,000 migrants—mainly from Central America—have disappeared in Mexico between 2006 and 2016.
Mexico’s National Registry of Missing and Unidentified Persons reports 329,627 people missing since 1964, with 115,462 still unaccounted for. However, the report warns that the actual number of missing migrants remains unknown due to inadequate coordination and records.
The report, developed in collaboration with the Criminal Justice and Policy Crime Laboratory, also notes that due to the lack of safe and legal migration routes, people resort to irregular routes and intermediaries known as “coyotes” or “polleros,” many of whom are linked to criminal networks.
Existing Transnational Mechanisms
In response to this situation, various citizen and forensic mechanisms have been implemented in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
- Forensic Databases of Untraced Migrants have led to tangible progress. In El Salvador, by August 2024, 65 sampling days were conducted, collecting 1,176 genetic profiles resulting in 73 identifications, 69 in the U.S. and 4 in Tamaulipas, Mexico. In Honduras, 62 sampling days were conducted, collecting 1,870 genetic profiles and resulting in 80 identifications, with 32 corresponding to remains found in Mexico.
These Forensic Databases of Untraced Migrants conduct identifications through a multidisciplinary approach using internationally accepted scientific means. Upon confirming the identification of a migrant among unidentified remains, they notify the family with an integrated multidisciplinary identification and cause of death report, including technical explanations from the experts who drafted the report on how identification was achieved.
The Forensic Commission, established in 2013 as an institutional response to the San Fernando and Cadereyta massacres, has received a total of 190 bodies from various violent incidents, including mass murders of migrants in San Fernando, Tamaulipas (2010-2011) and 49 bodies abandoned in Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon (2012). Of these, the Commission has identified 97 individuals, representing 51% of received cases.
The report states that 44% of the achieved identifications were made possible through samples from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras’ forensic databases in coordination with families of missing persons.
One unique practice of the Forensic Commission is that experts conduct interviews with families, a practice not commonly seen. These interviews help build trust with family members, gather valuable data for identification processes, and collect contextual information beneficial for defining investigation lines.
Institutional Pillars
Another mentioned institutional pillar is the Mexican External Support Mechanism for Search and Investigation (MAEBI), established in 2015, allowing families of missing migrants to file complaints from Mexican consulates and embassies in Central America.
This capability is particularly significant for those who, due to economic conditions, insecurity, or migration restrictions, cannot enter Mexican territory to personally initiate a complaint.
One of its main achievements is its ability to channel previously stalled or ignored complaints and integrate them into Mexico’s official justice systems.
However, the report criticizes MAEBI for lacking a robust structure and insufficient resources. Its operation largely depends on state attorneys’ willingness and coordination with the General Federal Prosecutor’s Office. In many cases, reports sent from abroad fail to result in effective investigations due to the lack of inter-institutional coordination and specialized personnel.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the estimated number of missing migrants? Between 72,000 and 120,000 migrants are estimated to have disappeared in Mexico between 2006 and 2016.
- What challenges do migrants face in seeking safe routes? Due to the lack of safe and legal migration routes, migrants often resort to irregular routes and intermediaries known as “coyotes” or “polleros,” many of whom are linked to criminal networks.
- What progress have Forensic Databases of Untraced Migrants made? These databases have led to tangible progress, with 73 identifications in the U.S. and 4 in Mexico from El Salvador, and 80 identifications in Honduras with 32 corresponding to remains found in Mexico.
- What role does the Forensic Commission play? The Forensic Commission, established in 2013, has received and identified 190 bodies from various violent incidents, identifying 97 individuals (51% of received cases).
- What are the criticisms against MAEBI? Critics argue that MAEBI lacks a robust structure and insufficient resources, with its operation largely dependent on state attorneys’ willingness and coordination with the General Federal Prosecutor’s Office.
